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[+44 330 383 8000](tel:+443303838000 "+44 330 383 8000") ![](/images/getstarted-writetous-navbar-int_ZY7MOf.webp) ### Write to us Fill out our request form. Our experts will respond as soon as possible. [Write to us](/gb/request-information "Write to us") ### Intercom [Intercom in telephony and the underlying transmission technologies](/gb/get-started/cloud-telephony/lexicon/knowledge-base-detail/intercom#section-3) [Integration of door communication and intercom devices into telephone systems](/gb/get-started/cloud-telephony/lexicon/knowledge-base-detail/intercom#section-4) # Intercom The so-called intercom is defined as the simultaneous, two-sided exchange of information via a common medium in opposite directions. In communications technology, the term full-duplex transfer is often used for the intercom. Full-duplex is in contrast to simplex or half-duplex system, in which information is transferred either only in one direction or alternately, but never simultaneously in different directions. Typical areas of application for the intercom function are door communication systems or telephones. ### Intercom in telephony and the underlying transmission technologies As against many radio technologies, telephony generally works in the full-duplex system and allows for the intercom function. Depending on the underlying technology, various methods are used to achieve the exchange of information in both directions via a common medium. [Analogue telephony](/gb/get-started/cloud-telephony/lexicon/knowledge-base-detail/analogue-telephone-lines) uses the so-called hybrid termination circuit. It ensures that the two-way voice signals are able to merge and separate. Generally in digital telephony, various duplex systems such as time division duplex, frequency division duplex or code duplex are used to separate voice directions e.g. through separate frequency ranges or transmission time slots. Mobile phone networks mostly use a combination of frequency division and time division multiplex. The user sends transmission data via his/her mobile phone via a special uplink frequency and receives data via the downlink frequency in a specific time slot. ### Integration of door communication and intercom devices into telephone systems It is often possible to integrate the functions of intercom devices, as found on apartment or house doors, into a [telephone system](/gb/en/products/cloudya). In such a case, the call participants can communicate with visitors at the house door via the telephone system using the intercom function. When a visitor rings the door bell, it is signalled in the same way as a telephone call and the intercom function allows communication with the visitor like a normal phone call. If mobile telephones are integrated into the telephone system, then the intercom function with visitors can, in principle, be used at any desired location. Mostly, it is also possible to open the door directly via the telephone by pressing certain function keys. 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